The confidence of a Euro medal; skating with Brian has done wonders for Elene. Although Brian doesn't seem to have much luck with his own country's skaters. I think he has Cynthia Phaneuf and she is still struggling; he should pick up Joannie Rochette and train her for 2014 Sochi. I still think Elene should be behind Alena.

Looks like the judges left room for both American ladies to score higher than Alena even if they aren't perfect. I thought Alena's pcs should have been higher especially in light of what we have seen so far - she skated with heart and her own unique style - she ain't no american fairy princess but still nice to see other artistic approaches. So I would say good skate but undermarked comparatively.

No way she undermarked. That's her personal best. She scored pretty close to Yuna and Miki last year.